Ms Dhu coronial inquest: CCTV released of 'inhumane' treatment of Aboriginal woman who died in police custody

The West Australian coroner has ordered the release of CCTV footage in the hours before an Aboriginal woman died in police custody, ruling she was treated “inhumanely”.

The footage from the South Hedland police station shows Ms Dhu, 22, under police guard, being dragged from her cell unconscious by officers on the morning of her death, and being carried into the back of a police car.

Another clip shows an officer pulling Ms Dhu by the wrist to sit her up before dropping her, causing her to hit her head on the ground.

CCTV footage released by the WA coroner show officers lifting Ms Dhu out of her cell. (Supplied) ()Coroner Ros Fogliani said police officers and medical staff had failed in their duty of care. (Supplied) ()Ms Dhu's death could have been prevented, the coroner found. (Supplied) ()

Ms Dhu whose first name is not used for cultural reasons, died after being locked up at South Hedland Police Station in August 22 for unpaid fines totalling $3622, stemming from charges including assaulting police.

She died during her third visit in as many days to the Hedland Health Campus from staphylococcal septicaemia and pneumonia after an infection in her fractured ribs - caused by her abusive partner - spread to her lungs.

During the inquest, some police testified they thought Ms Dhu was faking illness and was coming down from drugs, while some medical staff also thought she was exaggerating and had behavioural issues.

Coroner Ros Fogliani today said Ms Dhu’s death could have been prevented of her illness had been diagnosed earlier, and she had been given antibiotics.

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She accepted Ms Dhu did not show signs of an infection the first time she went to hospital, but said the second time errors were made, and there was a missed opportunity to treat her.

Ms Dhu's suffering as she lay close to death at the lock-up was compounded by the unprofessional and inhumane actions of some police officers, the coroner found.

She said Ms Dhu's overall treatment and care from police and hospital staff was below the standards expected.

While the evidence did not establish that police caused or contributed to Ms Dhu's death, irreversible failings were made, and Ms Fogliani said it was profoundly disturbing to witness the appalling treatment of Ms Dhu on the day she died.

"Ms Dhu was a dearly loved by her family and her death has left them heartbroken," she said.

"In her final hours she was unable to have the comfort of the presence of her loved ones, and was in the care of a number of police officers who disregarded her welfare and her right to humane and dignified treatment."